Following a highly successful REF outcome for the School, the development of new cognate subject-level departments, alongside the official announcement for University investment in our estate and a burgeoning staff roster, there has arguably never been a better time for research and enterprise at the School, and with tremendous potential as we expand and build further. As our ambitions grow there is evermore need to hold together a coherent strategy, one that genuinely supports the professional development of all colleagues; that fosters synergies and collaborations; and ensures a richly layered ‘ecosystem’ of research, education and enterprise. In support of the School’s current plans and development, the following is an update on three key pieces of work: (1) Visual Language and digital infrastructure; (2) Research Labs; (3) Enterprise strategy and ‘Exchange’ platform. While settling into our new departments, there have been a number of colleagues working hard (often behind the scenes) to help shape and galvanise a new approach to research and enterprise. We have our new Departmental Heads of Research, Yuanyuan Yin (Design), Kai Yang (Fashion & Textiles), and Ryan Bishop (Art, Media & Technology). Heads of Research are our first point of call when thinking about developing, furthering, sharing and engaging with research. Also, Amanda Bragg-Mollison and Seth Giddings are our new co-leads for Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise, who have been working quickly to fashion a new integrated strategy for enterprise at the School (more of which below). We continue to have a vibrant Doctoral programme, under the directorship of Jo Turney, complementing our wider research environment, and which now includes the development of strategic Research Labs.